Dexter UFO Incident
Summary
The Dexter UFO incident occurred in March 1966 in Dexter, Michigan, and is considered a significant event in the history of UFO sightings in the United States. The incident involved strange lights in the sky that were witnessed by several individuals over a period of several days, and it led to national attention and a congressional hearing.
The incident began on March 20, 1966, when Frank Mannor and his son, Ronald, saw colored lights of a UFO in a wooded swamp on their farm in Dexter Township. They reported it to the police, and Washtenaw County Sheriff's Deputy, Doug Harvey, responded to the call. In the following days, more reports of strange lights in the sky came in from the surrounding area. One of the sightings involved Officer Robert Hunawill and his wife, who saw strange lights in the sky on Baker Rd. near Nuttle Tool & Die between 12 and 1 a.m. on Monday morning, March 28.
The incident sparked national attention and caused a panic over an imminent alien invasion, leading to a congressional hearing. It is said to have been the climax of a hysteria that had been mounting for decades. The incident also led to discussions of government transparency and public accountability.
The Dexter UFO incident is considered a part of the town's history and identity and is treated with dignity and respect.
Theories
The UFO sighting was a hoax perpetrated by localsThe UFO was a weather balloon or some other type of military craftThe UFO was an extraterrestrial spacecraftTimeline
March 20, 1966: Multiple witnesses report seeing a UFO in the skies above Dexter, Michigan. Some witnesses report seeing the object land in a nearby field.March 21, 1966: Investigators from the local sheriff's department and the Civil Defense Corps search the area where the UFO was reportedly seen, but find no physical evidence of a landing.March 23, 1966: Two police officers claim to have seen a UFO in the skies over neighboring Hillsdale County.Locations
Dexter, Michigan: The town where the original UFO sighting occurred.Hillsdale County, Michigan: The location of a subsequent UFO sighting reported by police officers.Physical Evidence
No physical evidence was found at the site where witnesses claimed the UFO had landed.Eye Witnesses & Directly Involved
Multiple witnesses in the town of Dexter reported seeing the UFO, including some who claimed to have seen it land in a nearby field.Two police officers in Hillsdale County reported seeing a UFO in the days following the Dexter incident.